What do Hindus do during Deepavali?

by Azfar
(Woodlands)

What does the Hindu family do during Deepavali?

Comments for
What do Hindus do during Deepavali?

Oct 23, 2008

How Hindus Celebrate Deepavali Day - Oil 'Baths', Resolutions, Lamps and....?
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Azfar

On another page, I've briefly summarised the basic meaning of Deepavali. In essence, it's a celebration of good over evil.

In practice, preparations start weeks before Deepavali Day. Much like the Chinese during Chinese New Year, Hindus spring clean their homes, get of new clothes, and make cakes and pastries.

Some Hindus would also make offerings to deceased family members - usually by placing food and clothes on banana leaves in front of their photos.

Early on Deepavali Day, Hindus take an oil bath, massaging their bodies with a sesame-based oil. This is followed by resolutions to start things anew: forgiveness, hope, etc.

Well, the Deepavali Light Up is not restricted to Little India only. Hindus brighten up their homes with oil lamps and candles too. Obviously, the children love doing this. The young ones also like to see who could swirl the sparklers most vigorously.

Of course, in Singapore, there's the Deepavali Countdown Concert and Fireworks to look forward to on Deepavali eve (26 Oct in 2008) ;-)

That much I know. I don't pretend to understand Deepavali Day celebrations fully. And I'd really like to hear from Hindu readers: how do you celebrate Deepavali Day?

(Note: watching Vasantham Central doesn't count!)

Click here to add your own comments